The book carefully unpacks the hegemonic discourses that shield the ideology of
neo-colonialism deeply entrenched in the intentions of privatization of water resources.
The author's sensitive and sustained critique of privatization of water unearths the
pitfalls of water management in India. This intellectual work also undertakes a study on
the significance of `water' in various religions, such as Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism,
Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism apart from Christianity. Major issues like water
management, water pollution, waterborne diseases, ground water, climate change, water in
relation to women and children, water in relation to dalits and tribals, privatization of
water, and many more, have been dealt with, in detail.
There have been numerous research works on this subject, but the present one differs as
theological critique on privatization of water being its main thirst. The
biblical-theological discernment has been employed as a yardstick to make the critique
stronger. This research formulates a comprehensive view of the problem enabling a critical
response and making the Christian faith community realize the need to be responsible to
defend water from the emerging jeopardy.
This book is grounded on a subject that needs immediate attention so as to secure the
welfare of the most vulnerable communities in India. It has a prophetic vision which calls
the Church, as a part of society, to respond vigorously in eradicating the evil forces of
privatization of water in India. It is meant for Ecologists, Socio-Economists, Christian
Laity, Church Clergies, Religious Leaders, Policymakers, Researchers and Students, alike.
Contents
Foreword
Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. Significance of Water in Different Religions
1.1 Water in Hinduism
1.2 Water in Islam
1.3 Water in Buddhism
1.4 Water in Sikhism
1.5 Water in Zoroastrianism
1.6 Water in Judaism
1.7 Water in Christianity
2. Water-Allied Issues in India
2.1 Water Crisis in India
2.2 Water-Allied Issues in India
3. "Water of Life" as Cornerstone for Theological Critique on Privatization
of Drinking Water in India
3.1 Drinking Water
3.2 Privatization
3.3 Privatization of Water : An
Overview
3.4 Privatization of Water in India
3.5 Theological Critique on
Privatization of Water
4. Theological Reflections of Water and its Significance in the Indian Context
4.1 Need for a Theological Reflection
4.2 Water as a Sign and Symbol
4.3 Indian milieu
4.4 Groaning for Liberation
4.5 What Can be Done?
4.6 How Best Can We Respond to Water
Issue?
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index
Rev. T. P. Salim Thanka Kumar is a Presbyter in Church of South India
in the Diocese of Kanyakumari. He hails from the village Elanchirai of Kanyakumari
District. After completing his school education he has obtained his Bachelor degree in
Economics from (Nesamony Memorial Christian College, Marthandam) Manonmaniam Sundaranar
University, Tirunelveli. After his B.A. he obtained B.D. from the United Theological
College, Bangalore in 2004 and gained the degree from the Serampore University. He has
completed his M.Th. in Christian Theology at the Tamilnadu Theological Seminary,
Arasaradi, Madurai and obtained the degree from the Serampore University in 2009. He has
also obtained his M.A. degree in Sociology from Manonmaniam Sundaranar University,
Tirunelveli in 2012. He has joined in the pastoral ministry in 1998 and got his presbyter
ordination in 2010. He is interested in applied theology and in the public theological
discourse.
|